The participation of Bangladesh in the 2026 T20 World Cup hangs in the balance as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains firm on its decision not to send its team to India for the tournament. The BCB's stance comes after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected their request to shift their matches to Sri Lanka. Citing security concerns, the BCB has refused to budge despite the ICC's assurances and the threat of being replaced by Scotland in Group C.

ICC's Firm Stance

The ICC has drawn a hard line, refusing Bangladesh's request to shift their T20 World Cup 2026 group games out of India. Following an ICC Board meeting on January 21, the governing body stated that independent security assessments found no credible threat and that the tournament would proceed as scheduled. The ICC has asked the BCB to confirm their participation under the existing itinerary. The ICC has also shared detailed inputs, including independent security assessments, comprehensive venue-level security plans, and formal assurances from host authorities, all concluding that there is no credible threat to the safety or security of the Bangladesh team in India.

Bangladesh's Concerns

Despite the ICC's security clearance, the BCB maintains its concerns, pointing to the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a trigger. According to a BCB vice-president, one of their top players was removed from the IPL under pressure, and the Indian cricket board failed to protect him. The BCB believes the responsibility for security will lie with the same country's police and security agencies. The BCB proposed either shifting their matches to Sri Lanka or reshuffling the groups to base Bangladesh entirely outside India.

Potential Consequences

The ICC has warned the BCB that expulsion from the Men's T20 World Cup 2026 could occur if they do not agree to play their matches in India, with Scotland as the replacement. The BCB recognizes that their decision could result in the country's expulsion from the tournament. However, they remain steadfast, with BCB President Aminul Islam stating, "We want to play the World Cup, but we won't play in India. We will keep fighting". The BCB believes the ICC would lose out on a major cricket-loving nation and the absence of a populous country like Bangladesh would be a failure for the hosts.

Schedule and Venues

Bangladesh is scheduled to play its first match on February 7 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. They are also slated to play two other group-stage games at the same venue before their final Group C fixture against Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Other matches include a game against Italy on February 9 and England on February 14, both in Kolkata.

The Standoff Continues

As of January 22, 2026, the BCB has refused to send its team to India, despite the ICC's warnings and assurances. The ICC has given Bangladesh a deadline to confirm their participation. The next step in the back-and-forth between the BCB and the ICC is now awaited. With the tournament set to begin on February 7, time is running out to resolve the situation.